Besiktas eliminate Leipzig from UEFA Champions League

Berlin, Dec 7 (IANS) Leipzig crashed out of Europe’s elite competition after Talisca marked the late 2-1 winner for Besiktas in the last round of Champions League’s group stage.

The “Bulls” did not have their fate in their hands as Ralph Hasenhuettl’s men needed a loss for group rivals Porto against Monaco and a win over Group G leaders Besiktas on Wednesday, reports Xinhua news agency.

However, things did not go in favour of Leipzig as Porto crushed Monaco 5-2 on home soil and Besiktas wrapped up an unbeaten group stage after Talisca provided the last grasp 2-1 decider against the Bundesliga runner-up.

From the start, Leipzig assumed control and tried to overcome Besiktas, who kept all their men behind the ball to lurk for fast break opportunities. Nevertheless, Jean-Kevin Augustin tested visitor’s goalkeeper Tolga Zengin with eight minutes into the game.

Despite Leipzig’s dominance, it were the visitors who marked the opener with 10 minutes played. Willi Orban brought down Jeremain Lens inside the box, allowing Alvaro Negredo to slot home the opener form the penalty spot after sending custodian Peter Gulacsi the wrong way.

Leipzig continued offensively as Willi Orban rattled the woodwork five minutes later before Timo Werner’s goal was flagged offside.

After the restart, Leipzig remained on the front foot but neither Timo Werner nor Kevin Kampl were able to overcome Besiktas keeper Tolga Zengin, who defused all incoming threats.

To make things worse, Leipzig’s Jean-Kevin Augustin had another goal called offside in the 64th minute before Stefan Ilsanker received his marching order after booking his second offence in the 82nd.

Although Leipzig had a numerical disadvantage, they were eventually able to restore parity through Naby Keita, who benefitted on a fast break with three minutes to the final whistle.

However, the Turks had the last laugh as Talisca’s one timer into the top right corner ensured the 2-1 victory in the dying seconds of the injury time.

With the result, Besiktas finish atop the standings in Group G, followed by Porto, Leipzig and Monaco.